Medical technology has come an incredibly long way over the past several decades. Individuals who are suffering from consistent and serious joint pain have more options available to them than ever before for getting relief from the pain and restoration of movement in hips, elbows and knees. Joint replacement surgeries are on the rise with younger patients than we have seen in the past. Many athletes are finding that years of abusing their joints have caused them to need a full knee replacement. One of the questions that many patients are asking is how much does a titanium knee replacement weigh?
Titanium is an elemental metal, meaning that it is not man-made. It is an extremely low density metal and does not corrode. Titanium has the lowest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal, which makes it especially useful for medical applications. Pure titanium is as strong as steel but weighs approximately 45% less. As a strong, lightweight and corrosion resistant material it is perfect for use in joint replacements. To construct a prosthetic knee, the material is melted down and then cast into the components which will eventually form the replacement knee joint. But how much does a titanium knee replacement weigh?
The light weight nature of titanium is actually one of the biggest benefits to using titanium. Although the weight of an individual knee replacement varies depending upon the size of the knee and the patient, they only weigh a few pounds. Ultimately there is no single answer for the question. The better question for your doctor might be how much does MY titanium knee replacement weigh. Each knee prosthetic is individually constructed to the exact measurements of the recipient. Just as every person's knees are different and unique, so too is every titanium knee replacement.
If you are a candidate for knee surgery, you probably have many questions running through your head. Will I be able to walk again? How long will my recovery be? Will I be limited in my activities? What types of physical therapy will I be doing?
While there have been great advances in medical technology, a successful outcome is determined by the patient's attitude and willingness to do the necessary therapy. Based on their experience, many doctors have somewhat low expectations for recovery and may not be very encouraging. It is up to the patient to find and follow an exercise program that has already shown proven results. Equally important is finding a trainer or mentor who has a positive attitude toward recovery from knee surgery and who can teach anyone the same mindset. Believing it can be done and working with someone who has already achieved the desired results is the key to returning to normal activities and remaining free from pain.
